What We Do

Violence is the third leading cause of death of young people in Europe. Some of these deaths happen because the people present do not know what to do; they panic and don’t call for help. Teaching these young people to call 999 and effectively deliver simple first aid can and does save lives. But by highlighting the death and significant injury associated with violent crime, we also help to discourage young people from carrying weapons in the first place.

The main type of offence for which young people are convicted is violence against another person, with 19,969 offences in 2013-14 (22% of the total). Ministry of Justice

In 2014-2015 there were 133,896 attendances at A&E due to assault (71% male) resulting in 28,992 hospital admissions. Health and Social Care Information Centre

Young people who are fearful often carry knives for protection. Safer London Foundation

Violence is estimated to cost the NHS £2.9 billion every year, and much like many infections it is contagious. For instance, exposure to violence, especially as a child, makes individuals more likely to be involved in violence in later life. Department of Health

Violence shows one of the strongest inequality gradients, with emergency hospital admission rates for violence being around five times higher in the most deprived communities than in the most affluent. Department of Health

TRAINING

“… the only outside teaching programme we use on a regular basis. Staff…have been impressed with the ability…to engage with and encourage participation from some often problematic and difficult young people in what is a difficult subject…The…content is excellent…up to date…and extremely relevant, and reinforces the work being delivered by [Youth Offending Team] staff.”

What to do if someone is bleeding?

StreetDoctors teach how to call an ambulance and deliver immediate first aid to someone who is bleeding before professional help arrives.

We use visual props to explain the science behind blood loss and why it is important to call for help quickly, and apply pressure.

Young people discuss how to call emergency services and communicate the problem clearly. The session involves practical role playing scenarios to prepare young people to use skills in a crisis.

What to do when someone is Unconscious ?

60-90 minutes session

StreetDoctors teach how to assess someone who is unconscious. We demonstrate how to liaise with the professional emergency services, how to put someone in the recovery position if they are breathing and how to deliver chest compressions if they have stopped breathing.

We explain how the heart, blood and lungs work together and what happens if they aren’t working.

Young people practice putting someone on their side to avoid choking and delivering CPR with dummies so that in a real life situation they are ready to act.